Welcome to the Lamont campus! This handbook is designed to get you through the first few weeks at Lamont and assist you in finding your way around the local area.

Suggestions for improving this handbook may be sent to the Personnel Office (205 Administration, ext. 8840*, email personnel@admin.ldeo.columbia.edu) Your input is important!

In addition to this handbook, your supervisor and/or Division Administrator will be an invaluable source of information to you. If you don’t know already who to contact for assistance, call the Personnel Office and ask them to identify who in your area can assist you. Following is an alphabetical listing of important people, places, and things at the Lamont campus and the local area.

*If dialing from outside Lamont, use 914-365 and ext. number.

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
This building is located next to the Cafeteria and contains most administrative offices such as Accounting and Accounts Payable; Ancillary Services and the Copy Center; Contracts and Grants and Travel; Personnel; Purchasing; Security, Safety, and Telecommunications. Traffic (Shipping and Receiving) and Facilities Management (Buildings and Grounds) are located in separate buildings on campus. Information on the above offices, personnel, and functions are available on the Web at http://www-admin.ldeo.columbia.edu/

AIRPORT DIRECTIONS TO LAMONT
From Kennedy Airport :
Take Van Wyck Expressway (Rte. 678) north to Whitestone Bridge. Stay on Rte. 678 to Cross Bronx Expressway following signs to George Washington Bridge, stay to right as Palisades Parkway exit is first exit off bridge. Proceed north approx. 10 miles to Exit 4 (Rte 9W). At the end of the exit ramp turn left onto Rte. 9W North and proceed approx. 200 yds. L-DEO is on the right.

From LaGuardia Airport :Take Grand Central Parkway west to Triborough Bridge. Cross bridge and follow Major Deegan Expressway north to I-95 and George Washington Bridge. Once on bridge, stay to right as Palisades Parkway exit is first exit off bridge. Proceed north approx. 10 miles to Exit 4 (Rte 9W). At the end of the exit ramp turn left onto Rte. 9W North and proceed approx. 200 yds. L-DEO is on the right.

From Newark Airport:Take New Jersey Turnpike (95) north, following signs to George Washington Bridge. When highway divides, stay on local branch towards GW Bridge so that you can pick up the Palisades Interstate Parkway north. You do not cross the George Washington Bridge. Proceed north approx. 10 miles to Exit 4 (Rte 9W). At the end of the exit ramp turn left onto Rte. 9W North and proceed approx. 200 yds. L-DEO is on the right. 

• East Side Automotive, Washington St., Sparkill, NY (914.359.2348)
• Garjon Automotive Repairs, Inc. Rte. 303, Tappan,NY (914.359.3880)
• Orangeburg Texaco, Rte. 303, Orangeburg, NY (914.359.3737) 
  

• Sparkill, NY (Washington St at Main St)
• Tappan, NY (Old Tappan Rd)
• Orangeburg, NY (Orangeburg Rd)*

Chase Manhattan Bank

• Orangeburg, NY (Rte 303)*
• Dime Savings Bank of NY
• Tappan, NY (Oak Tree Rd at Rt 303) *

M&T Bank

• Piermont, NY (Piermont Ave)*

Marine Midland Bank

• Tappan, NY (Rt 303)
  

* denotes cash machine (ATM) is available 

CAFETERIA
The Cafeteria is open on weekdays from 8:00 am to 10:30 am (serving breakfast) and 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm (serving lunch). Hot and cold food is available. The cafeteria is not open on weekends or University holidays. 

CAR RENTALS
The Travel Office (ext.8323) can book car rentals.   

CATERING
Lamont’s Cafeteria does not handle receptions or parties for large groups, but will do working lunches for up to 10 people and coffee breaks for up to 20 people. Arrangements can be made through ext. 8842. Recommended outside caterers:

• Pierce and Dunhill (201.784-0804)
• Piermont Community Market (914.359.0369)
  

CHILD CARE
Child care is not yet available at Lamont but will be available soon. Local area day care information is available in the Personnel Office (ext.8840). 

COMPUTING/EMAIL
If you will be working at Lamont for more than a few days and require a computer account, there are three options:

1. a Lamont network account - gives you access to the computer network on campus, including “network news” and email.

2. a Lamont dial-in account - enables to you to dial in remotely via modem to the Lamont network.

3. a Columbia network/dial-in account - gives you combined local and dial-in access to the computer network on Columbia's Morningside (main) campus. This is only available to individuals with an official University affiliation 

To obtain a Lamont network and/or dial-in account, your supervisor or Division Administrator must send email to request@ldeo.columbia.edu and ask that an account be created for you. He or she must provide your full name, preferred user id, the primary building where you will be working, and a default account number for billing. Once the request is made please allow 24 hours for the account to be created unless other arrangements were requested. 

To obtain a Columbia account, you may either:

• Visit the AcIS (Academic Information Systems) Web site at http://www.columbia.edu/acis/ and create a new account on-line, or
• Call or visit the AcIS Help Center on Columbia's Morningside campus (112 Philosophy, M-F 9:00 to 5:00, 212.854.1919).

The AcIS Help Line (212.854.4854) has more information. 

There are a wide variety of Sun workstations, Macintoshes, Windows PCs, and input/output devices (printers, scanners, tape drives) available on the Lamont campus. Your supervisor or Division Administrator will tell you which machines you are "subscribed to”, and may use freely. If you use machines other than those to which you are subscribed, you may incur charges. There are public machines available at three locations (114 Seismology, 301 Oceanography, and Remote Sensing and Visualization Lab, 204 Geoscience.)The newly-established Remote Sensing and Visualization facility accommodates people needing to analyze remote sensing information, visualize complex data or model output, and to construct Geographic information Systems (GIS) for spatial data analysis. If you have problems, ask your supervisor or Division Administrator first. If he or she doesn't know the answer, send email to request@ldeo.columbia.edu or call ext. 8181 for more information on obtaining help with computers. 

In order to dial in remotely to the Lamont network (assuming you have obtained a Lamont dial-in account) you must have a computer with a modem and PPP software. The numbers are: 

914.365.8135 primary dialin for all speeds through 56K and ISDN
914.365.8131 backup dialin speeds up to V34 (28.8K or slower)
914.365.8196/8191 backup dialin speeds up to V32 (14.4K or slower) 

212.519.3900 for V.90 (56K) access
212.853.9903 for V.34 (28K) access
212.854.9924 for V.32, V.42 (14K or slower) access 

• single and double-sided copying up to tabloid size (11”x17”)
• plain or colored paper and cardstock
• color copying up to tabloid size (11”x17”)
• double-sided color copying
• color transparencies
• binding. 

• FoodWorld (Rt 303, Tappan, NY)
• Shoprite (Rt 303, Northvale, NJ)
• Piermont Community Market (Main St at Piermont Ave, NY)

These stores offer both shopping and take-out. The Piermont Community Market has an excellect selection of specialty foods. The nearest health food store, Organica, is on Rte 303, next to the Shoprite. 

HOLIDAYS
Lamont is closed on official University holidays, and the shuttle to Morningside campus does not operate on University holidays. The Personnel Office (ext.8840) has a listing of these holidays. 

HOSPITALS
The nearest local hospitals are:

• Nyack Hospital (160 N. Midland Ave, Nyack, 914.358.2000)
• Pascack Valley Hospital (Old Hook Rd, Westwood, 201.358.3000)

Both hospitals are less than 20 minutes drive from Lamont. Check with your health carrier to determine which hospital is covered by your plan. Check also under Medical Care for store front medical assistance. 

HOUSING
Local
The nearest local hotels are:

• Holiday Inn (Rt 303, Orangeburg, NY 914.359.7000) *
• Best Western (Rt 59, Nyack, NY 914.358.8100) *
• Days Inn (367 Rt 59, Nanuet, NY 914.623,4567)
• Hilton Hotel (Orangeburg Rd, Pearl River, NY 914.735.9000)
• Clinton Inn (Dean St, Tenafly, NJ 201.871.3200)

A book of local home rentals, apartment rentals, and home shares is kept in the DEES office (ext. 8550). Ask to see the “Housing Book”. Limited short-term housing may be available on the Lamont campus. This is in high demand and usually reservations are made well in advance of a visit. For information, rates, and directions call Ancillary Services (ext.8766). Check local newspapers ( Journal News , Bergen Record , The New York Times ) for listings of available real estate and apartment/house rentals.

New York City
The hotels nearest to Columbia University’s Morningside campus in Manhattan are:

• East Campus Hotel (on campus, 212.854.2946)
• Milburn Hotel (242 W 76 St at Broadway, 212.362.1006) *
• Newton Hotel (Broadway at W 96 St, 212.678.6500) *
• Beacon Hotel (2130 Broadway at W 75 St, 212.787.1100) *
• Doubletree Guest Suites (1568 Broadway, 47th St at 7th Ave 212.719.1600) *

(*) offers a University rate

Individuals with an official University affiliation may be eligible for University subsidized housing. The Personnel Office (ext.8840) has more information. Realtors will assist you with locating housing. They are listed in the yellow pages of the local phone directory. Be sure to ask who pays the realtor’s fee. You may also post a “network news” message on Lamont’s computer network, asking for help in locating housing. This is especially effective for short-term rentals. 

IDENTIFICATION CARDS
Individuals with an official University affiliation may obtain a Columbia University ID Card (CUID). Your CUID allows you to use many University facilities, services, and resources on all campuses, including the libraries and the fitness center. To obtain a CUID you must bring a letter confirming your employment/appointment (obtained from Lamont’s Personnel Office) to the ID Office on Morningside (204 Kent, 212.854.4323) and sit for a photo. 

INCLEMENT WEATHER CLOSING
For information on Lamont early/late opening and closing due to inclement weather, call 914.365.8100.

KEYS
You may obtain keys and/or key cards for offices and buildings from the Security Office (ext.8860). A deposit of $2 is required for each key. This deposit will be refunded when you return the key.


LAMONT SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

• TGIF – informal refreshments and social to end the week
  Friday 4:30 pm (or following Colloquium) at Lamont Hall
  
• Graduate Student Tea – open to all

Wednesday 4:00 pm in Geoscience loungeOther events are held throughout the year and advertised in advance, including the Orientation Welcome Party for new students, Chili Cookoff, Lamont Family Picnic, Full Moon Party, Holiday Children's Party, etc. Most of these events are organized by volunteers. 

LIBRARIES
Lamont is primarily served by the Geoscience Library (Lamont Hall, M-F 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, ext.8808). After-hours access is possible with a key available from the Security Office (ext.8860). There is also a Geology Library on Morningside campus (601 Schermerhorn, 212.854.4713). Inter-library loans for books outside the University library system can be arranged through the librarians. The nearest public library is the Palisades Free Library (Oak Tree Rd at Closter Rd, 914.359.0136). 

LAUNDROMATS
The two nearest 24-hour laundromats are on Rt 303 in Tappan, NY. 

LOCAL INFORMATION
A great deal of local information may be obtained from the “Local Interest” and Yellow Pages sections of area telephone directories. Telephone directories are available in both the Geoscience Library (ext.8808) and the Security Office (ext.8860). You may also visit the county’s Web site at http://www.co.rockland.ny.us/. 

MAIL
Mail is delivered twice a day to departmental mailboxes in each building. The Shipping/Traffic Office (ext.8864) must be notified of your office location when you first arrive at Lamont. Internal mail (within Lamont, or to another Columbia campus) is usually sent in an interoffice envelope. You will need to assign an account number to outgoing mail. Personal mail which has the correct postage can be left with regular Lamont outgoing mail for Shipping to deliver to the Post Office.

Packages

• Outgoing: You must write an account number and the desired service (e.g. “USPS second-day” or “FedEx overnight”) on the upper-right corner of the package, so the Shipping Office can affix proper postage and bill you for the cost. Small packages may be left in your building’s outgoing mail bin. For large packages, you must either call the Traffic Office to arrange a pickup or drop it off at the Shipping Office yourself.
• Incoming: If the package requires a signature, an individual from the Shipping Office will bring it to your office and obtain a signature. If you are not there, the package will be left on your desk.

Express Services

Outgoing items received in the Traffic Office before 3:45 pm will be sent out the same day.

MAPS

• A map of the Lamont campus is available at Lamont’s Web site  http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/what/campus_map/  and can be seen on the back cover of the Lamont phone book.

• Local stores carry Hagstrom street maps of Rockland County, NY, and Bergen County, NJ. Copies are also available in the DEES Office and can be purchased (account sales only) in the Purchasing Dept (Admin 208).
• The Michelin “Guide to New York City” is available in bookstores as are other guides to New York City.
• Web sites such as MapQuest ( http://www.mapquest.com/ ) can create customized street maps at various scales, centered on the location of your choice (e.g. Palisades, New York).
• USGS quadrangle maps are available at outdoor sporting stores or direct from the USGS.
• Hiking trail maps are available from the NY/NJ Trails Conference from local stores, the State Line Lookout (off the Palisades Interstate Parkway, just south of Lamont), or direct from NYNJTC at  http://www.nynjtc.org/  or 212.685.9699.
  
  

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Emergency medical care is available at local hospitals (check Hospitals) and at store front locations which offer walk-in service such as: First Med, 244 Livingston Ave., Northvale,NJ (201.768.1200) (between Shoprite and McDonald’s) 

NEWSPAPERS
Local newspapers are available in supermarkets, pharmacies, and delicatessans. The major daily papers are:

• Journal News (Rockland County, NY)
• The New York Times
• Bergen Record (Bergen County, NJ)
  
  

OFFICE SUPPLIES
A stockroom of common office supplies is maintained by the Purchasing Dept. in Admin 208. Purchases can be made to Lamont account numbers only (no cash sales). Hagstrom maps of the county can be purchased here. 

OPEN HOUSE
Lamont hosts a day-long “Open House” each year, usually on a Saturday in October, when the campus is open to the general public. Lamont researchers, staff, and students host a variety of science exhibits and presentations, as well as refreshments and activities for children. 

PARKING
Parking is available in lots adjacent to each building. Parking stickers are always required on cars entering Lamont before 8:00 am or after 5:30 pm on weekdays, and on weekends and holidays. Stickers are available in the Security Office (ext.8860). There is no fee. The sticker must be placed on a car window on the driver’s side. (Long-term and overnight parking is confined to the yellow striped parking spaces in the Geoscience and Geochemistry/Seismology parking lots. In the Oceanography lot park in the northeast corner only. You will need to assign yourself an access code (done through Security, ext. 8860) to enter Lamont grounds between 12:30 a.m. and 7:30 am. 

• One Hour Photo, Livingston St., Northvale, NJ (201.750.0008)
• On Location Photo, 500 Rte 303, Orangeburg,NY (914.359.6800) 

Morningside 7-4-xxxx
Health Sciences 7-51-x-xxxx
Interchurch 7-80-xxxx
Teachers College 7-94-xxxx
Arden House 7-55-xxx
Nevis Labs 7-72-xxx
Reid Hall 7-53-xxxx
Audubon Center 7-56-x-xxxx

For help, dial the Lamont operator (O). Personal phone calls can be billed to you directly. Contact the Telephone Office for a personal ID number. 
The Lamont Phone Directory contains numbers for all students, staff, researchers, and faculty at Lamont, as well as information on using the AUDIX voice mail system, locations and numbers of fax machines, email addresses, directions to Lamont, and more detailed dialing information. Directories are available from the Telephone Office (O). A public pay phone is available in front of the Geoscience building.

POST OFFICE
The nearest U.S. Post Office is in Palisades (Oak Tree Rd at Closter Rd, 914.359.2286). It is a short walk from Lamont, using the back entrance to Ludlow Lane and crossing Rt 9W. Be prepared to walk up Lamont’s back hill on the way back. 

PUBLICATIONS
The Publications Office (204 Lamont Hall, M-F 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, ext.8473, email publ@ldeo.columbia.edu) has information on how to register a paper as an official University publication. 

RECYCLING
Lamont recycles paper, glass, plastics, and metal. Large recycling containers for glass, plastics, and metal are located in each building. These containers must be used for non-hazardous materials only. Small blue recycling bins for paper can be placed in offices and are available from the Traffic Office (ext. 8864); these are emptied once per week. Deposit items such as aluminum soda cans may not be recycled and should be returned to the Cafeteria.

RESOURCES
A list of useful Lamont, Columbia, and outside Web sites is at:  http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/welcome/ 

RESTAURANTS
There are numerous restaurants in the nearby villages and towns. Piermont and Tappan/Northvale are the closest places with some variety. A 15% tip is customary for good service at a sit-down restaurant. Several fast-food/carry-out restaurants (Wendy’s, pizzerias, Boston Market) are located on Route 303 in Tappan. 

SAFETY
If you are scheduled to be here for a week or longer, you must stop by the Security, Safety and Communications Office (ext. 8860) and pick up a Safety Manual, or review the manual of the person you are visiting. Discuss any safety matters pertaining to your work with your host/advisor. Familiarize yourself with all Fire Exits and the location of all fire alarm pull stations in your building. Use caution with any and all heating/cooking devices as all buildings have automatic fire alarm systems. 

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT FOR CHILDREN
Contact your local school district (phone number available in local phone book) for information on enrolling children in local public schools. 

SEMINARS
Several departments host weekly seminars, covering the wide range of research activities at Lamont. Lunchtime seminars are generally informal -- feel free to bring your lunch. For those new to Lamont, these seminars are an excellent opportunity to meet your colleagues and present your research. Announcements of seminar speakers/titles/venues are made by one or more of the following methods: “network news”, email, Web site, and fliers posted at buildings entrances. These seminars are held regularly:

• Marine Geology and Geophysics (MG&G) Seminar
  Wednesday 12:10 pm, Seismology seminar room
• Physical Oceanography and Geochemistry Seminar
  Wednesday 2:30 pm, Geochemistry seminar room
• Plant Ecophysiology/Biological Oceanography (PEBO) seminar
  Monday 9:15 am, Marine Biology conference room
• Seismology, Geology, and Tectonophysics
  (SG&T) SeminarMonday 12:15 pm, Seismology seminar room
• “Wally’s Friday Seminar”
  Friday 2:00 pm, Geochemistry seminar room
• Earth Science Colloquium
  Friday 3:30 pm, Lamont Hall

Other seminars are hosted periodically by the International Research Institute for climate prediction (IRI), the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), and others. Special seminars such as the Jardetsky Lecture are held annually. 

SHOPPING
The closest major malls are the Palisades Center (Rt 59 at Rt 303, West Nyack, NY) and the Nanuet Mall (Rt 59 at S. Middletown Rd, Nanuet, NY). Other stores which carry clothing, gifts, books, antiques, liquor, etc. are located in Nyack (along Broadway and Main St), Piermont (along Main St), Closter, NJ, and Tappan/Northvale (along Rt 303) at the state line. 

SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
Social Security cards are available from any Social Security Administration (SSA) office. Applications are available from the Personnel Office (ext.8840). The nearest SSA offices are in Nanuet (29 N Middletown Rd) or New York City (55 W 125 St). General information is also available in both English and Spanish from the SSA Web site at http://www.ssa.gov/ or 800.772.1213. 

SPEED LIMIT
Please drive with caution on the Lamont grounds, and watch for children and animals. The speed limit is 20 mph. 

SPORTS
A variety of competitive team sports are played, usually during lunchtimes. Limited shower and changing facilities are available in Geochemistry, Oceanography, and Seismology.

• Soccer: MWF at 12:00 pm (soccer field behind Tree Ring Lab)
• Basketball: times vary (court behind Geochemistry)
• Volleyball: T,Th at 12:00 pm (court behind Geochemistry)

Other sports (e.g. Ultimate Frisbee) come and go depending on the number of interested participants. Runners should note that trails through the Palisades Interstate Parks north and south of Lamont are readily accessible. Hiking or running on local trails should be done with a companion for safety. 

TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Many educational opportunities are available at both the Lamont and Morningside campuses:

• Lamont seminars and colloquia.
• Classes and training sessions at Columbia University. Individuals with a formal University affiliation may be eligible for tuition exemption; contact Human Resources (1220 Interchurch, 212.870.2976, email hrbenefits@columbia.edu). Forms are available at the Personnel Office (ext.8840).
• Opportunities at local colleges and BOCES; check the local telephone directory and public libraries for information.
• The Chronicle of Philanthropy (http://philanthropy.com/, 212.758.5330) is a good source of educational workshops.

TRANSPORTATION

Shuttle

Columbia University operates a shuttle service between Lamont and the Morningside campus. It does not run on Sundays or University holidays. The Shuttle is a large commercial bus with “Leisure Line” marked on the side. It leaves from the Geoscience parking lot and drops you off at W 118th St and Amsterdam Ave. The return to Lamont leaves from the same location. Tickets for the Shuttle can only be purchased from the DEES Office (106 Geoscience, M-F 8:45 am – 5:00 pm, ext.8550). If you are arriving from New York City and don’t have a ticket yet, the bus driver will give you a voucher. A ticket costs $3.00 for Columbia staff, $4.50 for non-Columbia affiliates, and $0.75 for students. The schedule is on the Web at http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/

Public Bus

The Red and Tan Lines (201.384.2400 or 914.356.0877) operates between New York City, northern New Jersey, and Rockland County. Schedules are available in the Personnel Office (ext.8840). These routes operate near Lamont:

#9A operates hourly between the George Washington Bridge bus station in New York and Rockland County. It stops on request at Lamont’s front entrance. The southbound service from Lamont follows Rt 9W (about 30 minutes) and arrives in the bus station at W 178 St and Ft Washington Ave, where you may connect with the New York City transit system. The northbound service from Lamont operates through Tappan, Sparkill, Piermont, Nyack, Congers, and New City.

#20 operates hourly between the Port Authority bus station in New York and Rockland County. You can connect to the #20 from the #9A at the “Old 76 House” restaurant in Tappan. The southbound service from Tappan operates through northern Bergen County via Northvale, Norwood, Harrington Park, Closter, Demarest, Cresskill, Tenafly, Englewood, Leonia, and Palisades Park (about 60 minutes) and arrives in the bus station at W 42 St and 8 Av, where you may connect with the New York City transit system. The northbound service from Tappan operates through Orangeburg, Blauvelt, Pearl River, Tappan, and West Nyack.

The Transport of Rockland (http://www.co.rockland.ny.us/, 914.634.110) operates within Rockland County. You can connect to TOR buses from the Red and Tan routes.The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (http://www.panynj.gov/) operates bus and subway lines, bridges, tunnels, ferries, and the three major airports.The MTA (http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/) operates buses, subways, and railroads in and out of New York City.

TRAVEL
The Travel Office (ext.8323) will assist you with travel, hotel, and limousine reservations and with car rentals. When traveling for business, keep track of your expenses and retain receipts over $10. Upon return, you may be reimbursed for these receipts upon completion of a Travel Expenditure form. Registration for a meeting can be pre-paid, and travel advances can be obtained, by completing a Check Request form. Forms are available in Travel office. 

VISAS
The Personnel Office (ext.8840) will assist you with visa processing and renewals. Eligibility for salary or incidental reimbursements are dependent on your visa status. For more information, check with your supervisor or Division Administrator. 

WINES, BEER AND SPIRITS
Wine and spirits are sold in liquor stores. Beer is sold in supermarkets and beverage stores.

• Piermont Wines and Liquors, Piermont Ave, NY (914.359.0700)
• Beverage Barn, Route 303, Northvale, NJ (201.768.8848)
  
  

Acknowledgements: B. Arko, D.Barker, K.Falato, S.Hunke, J.Kennedy, M.Luisi, M.Mokhtari, C.Mountain, M.Reagan